The Jazz Studies Program at MU averages 8-10 Jazz Combos, consisting of 5-7 members. It is in these combos that members learn to work within the small group dynamic, while learning and memorizing repertoire. Students have the opportunity to perform at university and local functions, giving them a professional working experience. Student compositions and arrangements are encouraged and performed in a creative atmosphere. A strong emphasis on improvisation is the priority of each group. Combos are coached by MU Jazz faculty. 

Dr. Timothy Howe received a Bachelor of Music degree in trombone performance from Northwestern University in 1983, where he was a student of the late Chicago Symphony trombonist, Frank Crisafulli. Shortly after his graduation from Northwestern, Dr. Howe was appointed Second Trombone of the Omaha Symphony in 1983. He served in this position for over 20 years, performing everything from great symphonic and operatic masterworks to concerts with popular music artists and educational programs. In addition to his orchestra duties, Dr. Howe was a member of the Omaha Symphony Brass Quintet. During his time in Omaha, Dr. Howe also was appointed Principal Trombone of the Lincoln (NE) Symphony, a position he held from 1997-2003, and Principal Trombone of the Des Moines Metro Opera, a position which he still currently holds. He also performs regularly with the Shreveport Symphony, the Arkansas Symphony, South Arkansas Symphony, and was Principal Trombone of the Pine Bluff (AR) Symphony. Dr. Howe received a Master of Music degree in 1995 and a Doctor of Musical Arts in 2002 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was a student of Vernon Forbes and Dr. Scott Anderson. He has received additional instruction and master classes with Max Bonecutter, Glenn Dodson, and Michael Mulcahy. Dr. Howe's thesis was entitled: Developing a Historical Model for Trombone Performance Practice in German and Austrian Orchestral Works from the Period 1785-1830. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln honored Dr. Howe as a distinguished arts alumni and he performed a guest recital on campus in 2004. In addition he has performed solo recitals and concerto performances at colleges in Michigan, Indiana, Arkansas, Nebraska and Iowa. In May 2006 and 2008 he presented master classes and recitals at the Sichuan Conservatory in Chengdu, China. Recent premieres include Episodes for Trombone and Timpani by Phillip Parker at the South Central Conference of the College Music Society, and Fanfare for Trombone and Computer by Jeremy Baguyos at the Society for Electro Acoustic Music in the United States National Conference at Iowa State University. He has been a region jazz clinician in Arkansas and president of the Arkansas Jazz Educators Association. He released his solo and chamber music CD "Across the Wide Missouri, New Music for Trombone" in 2014. It is available on CD Baby. Dr. Howe performs with the Drei Bones Trombone Trio, which has presented concerts and master classes at the International Trombone Festival, The Americam Trombone Workshop, Midwest Trombone and Euphonium Conference, Big Twelve Trombone Conference, and many universities. They released thier debut CD "Drei Bones" in 2016 on Emeritus Recordings and their second CD, "Of Hammered Gold" will be released in spring 2019 on Emeritus as well. Dr. Howe teaches trombone, low brass methods and directs the Trombone Choir at the University of Missouri. Before coming to Missouri, Dr. Howe was Assistant Professor of Music at Arkansas Tech University. He has also served as a faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Grace University, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Dana College, Concordia College, and Union College.

The Studio Jazz Band features young, talented musicians in the MU Jazz Studies program, and forms its own identity as a featured ensemble in the program. The group performs a challenging repertoire, emphasizing a mix of classic and contemporary material, with a strong pedagogical focus. The band is often featured in concert with many great regional and national performers, including Tom Andes, Allen Beeson, Phil Wilson, Ron Miles, Plas Johnson, Mike Steinel, Jamey Aebersold, and others. The band performs in masterclass with visiting clinicians as well. The band performs regularly on and off campus, averaging 4-6 concerts per year.

The Concert Jazz Band is the flagship ensemble of the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Missouri. The group has been featured on stage with the finest jazz musicians in the world, including artists such as Benny Golson, Bobby Shew, Rufus Reid, BobMintzer,TerellStafford, Eric Person, JohnFedchock, MikeMainieri, Dave Pietro, RandyBrecker, LynneArriale, AndyNarell, Matt Wilson, and Maria Schneider. The band has been invited to perform on prestigious collegiate jazz festivals, including Wichita, Elmhurst, Norte Dame, and Addison/North Texas. These performances have resulted in several Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Soloist awards. The band was selected to perform on the Missouri Music Educators Association state convention in 2003 and 2008. The group performs the finest in classic and contemporaryjazz andis committed to the creation and performance of new and original compositions and arrangements.

HittStreet Harmony is an auditioned chamber vocal ensemble specializing in traditional vocal jazz repertoire, often in collaboration with instrumental jazz combos. In addition, this ensemble also performs contemporary popular music and a cappella arrangements. Each semester the group performs one full-length concert and participates in various outreach events in the community.HittStreet Harmony provides a diverse, challenging experience for each of its singers, developing vocal independence and a variety of different performance techniques. 

New this year, we will have two performing groups: The District Jazz Band and the District Honorable Mention Jazz Band. Conductor/Clinician for the District Jazz Band, Dr. Sam Griffith, Director of Jazz, University of Missouri. Conductor/Clinician for the District Honorable Mention Jazz Band, Joanna Griffith, Coordinator of Community Outreach and Marketing, University of Missouri. Performance at Jesse Auditorium 6pm with the MU Concert Jazz Band.

Held at the Sinquefield Music Center on the MU Campus in Columbia, MO, this festival is open to middle and high school groups. All groups will receive recorded comments and a clinic. Groups may select to receive a rating, and high school groups have the additional option to receive a rating AND sightread (additional $50). The group with the top overall rating, as well as a "Judges' Choice" group, will receive the opportunity to participate in a Command Performance that evening with the MU Concert Jazz Band at the historic Missouri Theatre. 

About MU's Concert Jazz Band: The flagship ensemble of the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Missouri. The group has been featured on stage with the finest jazz musicians in the world, including artists such as Benny Golson, Bobby Shew, Rufus Reid, BobMintzer,TerellStafford, Eric Person, JohnFedchock, MikeMainieri, Dave Pietro, RandyBrecker, LynneArriale, AndyNarell, Matt Wilson, and Maria Schneider. The band has been invited to perform on prestigious collegiate jazz festivals, including Wichita, Elmhurst, Norte Dame, and Addison/North Texas. These performances have resulted in several Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Soloist awards. The band was selected to perform on the Missouri Music Educators Association state convention in 2003 and 2008. The group performs the finest in classic and contemporaryjazz andis committed to the creation and performance of new and original compositions and arrangements.